I have a DS with ASD/ADHD who is no longer on Focalin XR or any medication for his ADHD. DS was on Focalin for 3 yrs but since last September, the Focalin was causing him anxiety - took him a long time to do anything especially making decisions - and a lot of stimming specifically he would look at his hands while turning them over and over.

He has been off his the Focalin XR for a month now and surprise, surprise, the stims are gone. Within the first week he was off his medication, he initiated conversations with his peers without prompting. His teachers and I cannot believe the difference and SOOOO much for the better.

DS is extremely high energy off his meds but he is doing so much better not being on it that everyone, including all his teacher and the Sp ED teacher, agree that DS is much better not taking his ADHD medication. DS did all his PARCC testing without his medication and he was so much faster in answering the questions, he didn't even need extended time. His school was willing to try this because his PARCC scores last yr were all 5s.

So worth trying to see if not taking the medication will improve the stims.

I've read the threads about tics and adhds. My DS has a very complex action which we've been told is likely a stereotypies. it involves fist clenching, grimacing, and making blasting noises - he snaps out immediately when you talk to him, but says he does it because he's "thinking". It clearly feels good and is a release to him. A neurospscyh didn't see it but guessed a stereotypie since he can stop at will, and especially because of the "I'm thinking" comments. This action has increased significantly over the last 6 months. DS has an adhd diagnosis, but no ASD -- though several experts agree he has ASD characteristics. We have changed his adhd meds a bit over this last year, and I'm wondering if some of the meds are increasing the stereotpyies. He seemed way improved on focalin, but significantly worse on intuniv.

Anyone know anything about adhd meds and stereotypies?